This enigmatic and eerie stop-motion short is purposefully oblique in its storytelling, so much so that its ambiguity is arguably its most evident aspect. That's not to imply that it doesn't tell a distinct tale, just that it doesn't totally define it and is more than willing to make its audience work for the answers they crave. Its mysterious nature is perhaps its greatest asset, followed closely by its effortlessly unsettling atmosphere and purposefully uncanny animation. 'Cerulia (2017)' has a strong grasp on its aesthetic and is engaging for its duration, even though its opening movement is perhaps a bit jarring in its execution. There's just something about the piece that prevents me from being as gripped by it as I'd like, an intangible element that's somehow missing. It isn't as compelling as it could have been and it does feel a bit too long for its own good. Still, it's a really solid effort overall. It's unique and feels like it could be expanded rather successfully.
